Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Bidvest Wits' development head coach Floyd Mogale has appealed to clubs' coaches to send the right candidates to the Engen Under-17 tournament that kicks off at Marks Park on Friday.

Said Mogale yesterday: "It is not right to sit down in meetings sorting out age cheating problems while we should be playing.

"I sincerely appeal to development coaches to make sure that the players taking part in the tournament are of the right age."

He said the problem of cheating is doing the development programme a great disservice.

"As the host club we subscribe to fair play at all times. These kind of games are not about winning by hook or crook. The essence of such initiatives is to develop the skills of the up-and-coming stars within the right age limit," Mogale added.

Sixteen teams will take part in the tournament hosted by the Students and the opening ceremony will be held at noon on Friday.

The age cheating problem has been a burning issue in the development competitions in the country and needs to be seriously addressed by Safa regions.